Fifty years ago, the instructor’s grandmother taught her how to braid rugs. She still uses two of her grandmother's rugs at home. Many believe that braiding rugs began in colonial times, but the availability and cost of fabric would have made it beyond the means of most early settlers. But, by the 1820s mechanical looms were being developed and reasonably priced fabric for clothes and home decor became common. Rug braiding then became a very popular pastime as well as a way to help keep one’s house warm.

The goal of this class will likely be to make two hot pads or one chair pad. You will learn how to braid and lace and how to increase your stitches as you lace your project together to make it lay flat.

There is a $25 materials fee, separate from the registration fee, due to the instructor the first night of class for the rug braiding kit. The instructor will bring a variety of colors of wool to choose from as part of a kit, lacing needle, and other small items.

Please bring your own:

• scissors
• braiding clamp
• dark rug lacing twine
• a needle with a large eye to sew your wool strips together
• spool each of light and dark duel duty sewing thread.

Easy to get at Yardgoods Center & they have a 10% discount if you mention this class. 

Impress your family and friends with your photos! Learn how to use the camera settings on your phone, as well as how to share and print your photos. Discuss picture-taking techniques and the best free and low-cost tools for editing, finishing, and image management. Come explore the magic of smartphone photography with Steve! Please have a fully charged smartphone (Android or Apple). Pre-registration is required to receive online link.

Steve McGrath is a professional freelance photographer and teacher with 25 years of experience shooting sports photos for local high schools, then weddings and stock agencies. His love of the great outdoors led him to his true passion—nature photography. Steve was an active member of the Gateway Camera Club for many years and has won many ribbons and awards at fairs and competitions through the group and on his own. Many of his images have been published in school textbooks.

Impress your family and friends with your photos! Learn how to use the camera settings on your phone, as well as how to share and print your photos. Discuss picture-taking techniques and the best free and low-cost tools for editing, finishing, and image management. Come explore the magic of smartphone photography with Steve! Please have a fully charged smartphone (Android or Apple). Zoom link provided by instructor.

Steve McGrath is a professional freelance photographer and teacher with 25 years of experience. His love of the great outdoors led him to his true passion-nature photography. Steve was an active member of the Gateway Camera Club for many years and has won many ribbons and awards at fairs and competitions through the group and on his own. Many of his images have been published in school textbooks.

Study color theory by blending and using pigments to build a solid foundation in watercolor painting. Create the illusion of distance and composition by demonstrated technique. You will be guided through the process as you create your first painting‚ after that the possibilities are endless! Russel will assist you in building skills and confidence throughout the course.

Materials (approx. $80)

• 1 small tube each: cadmium yellow (light), cobalt blue, alizarin crimson (Please also bring any additional colors you already have.)
• 1 paint palette (Russel says folding ones are ideal!)
• 1 round #10 watercolor brush
• 1 inch wide flat brush
• 1 drawing pencil #2H
• 1 eraser
• 1 lightweight board or piece of cardboard
• 2 sheets of Arches watercolor paper, 140 lb. cold press 22x30 inches. Note: Please purchase Arches, as the quality of watercolor paper is essential for handling the techniques you will be taught in class. 

Russel Whitten, a local artist and teacher, studied at The Art Students League of New York, Heartwood College of Art, and is a member of The Ogunquit Art Association/Barn Gallery. Students adore his laid-back, encouraging demeanor.

Chris Toy is the author of 6 popular cookbooks, a private chef, and has taught Asian-fusion cooking for several Maine community education programs. Cooking students will learn how to prepare a variety of recipes from Asia, Europe, and the Americas incorporating traditional and local ingredients. Each meal will actively engage cooks with the tools, techniques, and stories behind the dishes being created.

Mary Laury is an accomplished watercolorist and highly esteemed teacher. She encourages all her students to believe they can be successful. Painting is an exciting medium; it flows and moves and does beautiful things. If you have never painted in watercolors, we will start at the beginning. If you have painted before, you will pick up some new tips and tricks as well. We all learn together!

Escape to a Victorian Inn, the Harbor View House in Prospect Harbor on the coast of Maine, with an intimate group of artists, cooks, and creatives! All meals are included in the workshop fee plus special activities to extend your learning from the day’s workshops, including a private house concert by Grammy balloted singer-songwriter, storyteller, and author Gordan Ward. For more information about the workshop, call Mary at 207-632-2251. To book your stay at the inn call 207-963-9122 or visit https://harborviewhousellc.com/.  

Acadian Arts Watercolor Painting Retreat at Homeport Inn, Searsport, Maine

with Mary Laury

September 13-15, 2024

$495

Your instructor, Mary Laury is an accomplished watercolorist and highly esteemed teacher. She encourages all her students to believe they can be successful. Painting is an exciting medium; it flows and moves and does beautiful things. If you have never painted in watercolors, we will start at the beginning. If you have painted before, you will pick up some new tips and tricks as well. We all learn together!

An award winning Grand Victorian sea captain’s home, The Homeport Inn and Tavernhas 9 private suites tastefully updated with comfortable furnishings. There’s live music each evening in the tavern. Specially discounted rates including breakfasts, are available by contacting the Inn at 207.548.2259

$495 Tuition includes all lunches and dinners ( Breakfast is included with room price.)

Feedback from recent participants: 

“Great instructor!-Mary acts as a guide to develop our own style.“ “Easy no stress instruction.”

Your instructor, Mary Laury is an accomplished watercolorist and highly esteemed teacher. She encourages all her students to believe they can be successful. Painting is an exciting medium; it flows and moves and does beautiful things. If you have never painted in watercolors, we will start at the beginning. If you have painted before, you will pick up some new tips and tricks as well. We all learn together!

Escape to a Grand Victorian Inn, the Harbor View House in Prospect Harbor on the coast of Maine, with an intimate group of artist, cooks and creatives! All meals are included in the workshop fee plus special activities to extend your learning from the day’s workshops, including a private house concert by Grammy balloted sing-songwriter, storyteller, and author Gordon Ward. Day students are welcome.

For more information about the workshop, call Mary at 207-632-2251. To book your stay at the inn call 207-963-9122 or visit https://harborviewhousellc.com/.  

Feedback from recent participants: 

“Great instructor!-Mary acts as a guide to develop our own style.“ “Easy no stress instruction.”